These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

What We Miss 20 Years Later

The "peanut" of the ultrasound
was living, swimming in the pool.
Though tiny, and not yet a pound,
my love for you remains the rule.

The little girl, who had to stand
on tippy toes to reach the rack,
the second shelf of dishes and
for cleaning them to line and stack.

Her school day, filled with things to do,
and friends of joy to talk and play.
Each eve we rode home when 'twas through,
and shared the wonders of the day.

Each homeschool day we learned new things,
like "Stack the States," subtract, and add.
With Dad outgrown the new stage brings
some other teachers online glad.

Her graduation fin'lly came
in gowns and mortar boards, they filled
the auditorium the same
when on my day was equal skilled.

Now, Oberon and fairy band
did wordless dance in beaming smile.
Ovations they did nightly land,
returned to class to learn awhile.

We miss the baby filled with glee,
embracing who she has become.
The glimpses, that I often see
assuage my sadness, bits, and sum.

'Tis never wrong to wisely live,
rememb'ring joy, embracing grace.
The future has so much to give,
while living hopeful in this place.

by Jay O’Toole
on September 11th, 2023